St. Thomas Eagles' Nest Winter 2016

ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

VP for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ’83

Winemaker Ross McLauchlan ’07

1966 Eagle Football State Champions

Faculty Member Daniel Bryant ’93

FRANKIE B. MANDOLA ’65 TRIBUTE

W inter 2016

’16

Eagles’ Nest

EVENTS DEC 19 - JAN 3..................... Christmas Break JAN 6 - 8............................ Father-Son Retreat JAN 12......................................... Casino Night MAR 5.............................................. Round-Up

Eagles’ Nest

DEPARTMENTS

6 EAGLE FLIGHT

Taste of St. Thomas Auction & Gala mixes fellowship and fundraising to benefit the St. Thomas General Fund.

29 EAGLE SPIRIT

Elite scholars earn national academic acclaim while Eagle Theatre dazzles with Twelfth Night performance.

MAR 13 - 17............................. Spring Break MAR 24 - 26.................. The Addams Family

Musical

APR 3....................... 26th Annual St. Thomas Golf Tournament

APR 14 - 17......................... Easter Weekend APR 19.................... Academic Awards Night MAY 20................Commencement Exercises www.sths.org/webcalendar

36 EAGLE FIGHT

Eagle Football flashes great resilience, and Eagle Golf and Wrestling embrace new leadership.

Eagles’ Nest Printed December 2016 The Eagles’ Nest is published three times annually by St. Thomas High School 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007-7332 | 713-864-6348

Rev. Kevin Storey, CSB - President Rodney Takacs - Dean of Students Eve Grubb - Vice President of Finance Mark deTranaltes ’83 - Vice President for Advancement Keith Calkins - Director of Communications Darla Arter - Layout and Design Assistance Provided By: Chris Hodge, Molly Hittinger, Joanie Shelley Some photos provided by STH Publications Staff Circulation 9,500 c2016

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48 EAGLE PRIDE

Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Service awards are proudly presented along with signature salutes to a forever Eagle who has passed and the 1966 state football champions who remain forever young.

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FEATURES

10

Kirksey Architecture Presents Master Plan for Joplin Campus “Twenty-first century education ... how you learn in it, how you teach in it must dictate how you are able to utilize it.”

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“The biggest lesson is to be grateful for all that you have, understand what so many others do not have.”

“... if it were easy, someone would have already done this.”

Simpler Times, Genuine Giving

The Practice of Patience in Pursuit

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“... a life-changing experience in more ways than one.”

“... a great way to help a community, and come together and bond as a (student) group at the same time.”

“You have to start humble ... we had a passion to be successful so we didn’t think twice about the time or the dollar investment.”

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Bryant ’93 Takes Teens in Need to the Limits

A Difference From Our Small Corner of the World

Blackwood ’12 Cookin’ with R.C. Smoke’em

TODAY Pay cable bil

Buy grocerie

l

s

Remember S

t. Thomas

Plan now.

Give later.

Remembering St. Thomas in your will or estate plans costs nothing during your lifetime, but will transform the lives of STH men down the road.

Contact

Mr. Mark deTranaltes, ’83, P ’10 Vice President for Advancement remember@sths.org 713-341-5557

Learn More

sths.org/remember

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So many of our students could not have the St. Thomas experience without the faithful giving of others. If St. Thomas opened doors for you, consider how you can now open doors for others.

Join the 1900 Society by including St. Thomas in your will or estate plans and help provide affordable tuition, exemplary instruction and spiritual growth for generations of students to come.

If you remember all the goodness, discipline and knowledge that St. Thomas gave you, then please: Remember St. Thomas.

Eagle

FLIGHT

Taste of St. Thomas.......................... p6 All the Right Moves For Joplin Campus Expansion............. p10 Taking Teens to the Limits............ p14

Faculty Member Daniel Bryant ’93, p14

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Eagle

FLIGHT

E

ach year the annual Auction & Gala mixes fellowship and fundraising to benefit the St. Thomas General Fund.

Chaired in 2016 by Melissa Dolan, Caroline Hassell and Brenda Lanza, The Taste of St. Thomas featured select dining items from Carrabba’s and Johnny Carrabba ’77 ... Damian’s Cucina Italiana and Johnny Mandola ’94 ... the Ragin Cajun and Luke Mandola ’67 and son Dominic ’93 ... Roland Laurenzo ’65 and son Domenic ’89 continuing the legacy of Mama Ninfa Laurenzo with Laurenzo’s and El Tiempo Cantina ... Patrenella’s and Sammy Patrenella ’53 ... Pizzitola’s and Jerry Pizzitola ’60 ... and Reef

THE RIGHT RECIPES

TO BEST SERVE

ST. THOMAS

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founder Bryan Caswell ’91 whose ever growing brand includes El Real Tex Mex Cafes, Little Bigs and a partnership with Greg Gatlin ’98 that established Jackson Street BBQ. “It’s such a great thrill to pull all the restaurant families together again,” Johnny Mandola said. “Such a proud tradition. Many of us have known each other growing up, have worked together, have helped each other. There always has been a friendly competitive nature which has brought out the best in all of us.

At the end of the day, we’re family and, of course, men of St. Thomas.”

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Eagle

FLIGHT

CONTINUED

Mandola’s Catering is the traditional St. Thomas partner for such signature events and this night brought a wave of emotion for Mandola, given that his father and forever Eagle ambassador Frankie B. Mandola ’65 passed away less than four months ago.

Long known for his gregarious and infectious authentic personality, Frankie B. first distinguished himself as an Eagle state champion and high school All-American student-athlete later to be inducted in the STH Sports Hall of Fame. He packed his two-sport talents for Rice University, and later rose as a pillar among the first families of Houston food.

But Mandola perhaps earned his greatest acclaim living daily the Basilian motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge while a loyal and consistent force in his lifelong dedication to St. Thomas.

“I’m normally at Damian’s but for the large catering events on campus I was here when he needed me,” Johnny said. “We all miss him dearly but I know his spirit is with us all tonight.”

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The nod to the Rat Pack magic of the early ’60s Las Vegas included assistant dean Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB filling Cemo Auditorium with the sounds of Sinatra after patrons had indulged on many familiar flavors from Houston’s famed restaurateurs who share a proud connection outside of their own culinary renown.

The Taste of St. Thomas demonstrated the commitment and strength of the Eagle community in providing a core source of funding that supports many urgent operating needs, including critical resources for initiatives that benefit the entire campus community and gives the Basilian Fathers the flexibility to meet new challenges.

Valuable dollars are always earmarked for the Paddles Up program which directly benefits a highly specific academic need, this year funding the new STEM Innovations Lab as part of the Joplin Campus expansion.

“St. Thomas continues to be so blessed that in one night an annual event raises between $400,000-$500,000,” president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB said.

“I cannot express enough gratitude for all the generosity of time, talent and treasure from so many in our Eagle community which enable us to change the world one student at a time. This consistent outpouring of support is why I believe so strongly that our Eagle brotherhood is truly unlike any other. And in particular I’m so appreciative of our chairs Melissa, Caroline and Brenda, and the legion of volunteers who spent months preparing and then delivering a celebratory atmosphere.”

Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB President, St. Thomas High School

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Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

ALL THE RIGHT

For more than a century, St. Thomas has never let convention limit its dreams. Especially when there’s an opportunity for bold action.

MOVES

The monumental acquisition to purchase the adjacent HISD School for Law and Justice was simply the next defining moment in providing an unsurpassed college preparatory experience bringing academics, athletics, and student life together.

“The key is that the future St. Thomas leaders will be able to make more of what we’re starting, the groundwork is being laid. We’re off and running.”

– Al Clay ’61

the top priority was creating an environment that expressed brotherhood and community, family and a spiritual togetherness, where students will mature into young men of St. Thomas, and then wish to continue that Eagle relationship throughout their lives.”

4500Forever Finish Strong is raising the necessary $12 million for the Joplin Campus redevelopment.

Currently 30% of that monetary goal has been reached.

The noted design team of Kirksey Architecture recently staged two informal “As we continue to town hall-type raise funds for Phase presentations with II of the 4500Forever question and answer Fr. Storey with benefactors Al ’61 and Dona Clay capital campaign it opportunities for the is vital that we keep STH community, our constituents forums led by Kirksey vice-president Nicola Springer and informed,” said Mark deTranaltes ’83, the St. Thomas Vice project coordinator Michael La Nasa, and St. Thomas President President for Advancement.

Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB. “Events such as these are a perfect example of our desire The sessions provided acute detail to the innovative measures to ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard. We have said in uniting two distinct campus identities into one and unveiled this from the beginning. In order to make the expansion a the move-in master plan for the Joplin Campus expansion reality it is going to take the entire St. Thomas community funded by the 4500Forever capital campaign, the most to be involved, because that is who the expansion will ambitious fundraising effort in STH’s 116-year history. serve. Whether that be through education, athletics, extra“We began an intense dialogue with St. Thomas stakeholders curricular activities or one of our many community events. in July 2015 to gain an understanding of what this merging 4500Forever is about securing a home away from home for needed to be,” Springer said. “We heard sincere desires that generations to come.”

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At the core of the transformation are learning centers distributed throughout the merging properties, generating synergy between the different elements of academics.

The entire project includes sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices and concepts consistent with other St. Thomas redevelopment, meeting both the immediate and the evolving needs of a STH population which will eventually reach 1,000 students while maintaining the same 11-1 studentfaculty ratio.

In essence, a campus without limits.

“Twenty-first century education is a buzzword but the principals it encapsulates are of great value,” La Nasa said.

“The most important space throughout your campus cannot sit idle. Whether it’s athletics fields or technology labs or performing arts, you have to have layers of flexibility that move in relation to rapidly changing demands. How you learn in it, how you teach in it must dictate how you are able to utilize it.”

The Joplin Campus will unveil four new state-of-the-art science labs, an innovation lab, three technology classrooms, a robust area for foreign language, speech and publications, plus an expanded location designed exclusively for the Eagle Broad-

cast Network and cutting-edge digital media services to support faith-based, academic, performance and athletics programming.

The expansion also includes a black box theater for drama and music rehearsals, and an historic 600-seat theater to augment the Moran Fine Arts Building and Cemo Auditorium to better serve the performing arts.

Among the most notable features is a vibrant 8,000 square foot student center dedicated to giving students the best out-ofclassroom experience possible with a range of resources to meet their daily needs while fostering personal growth as they arrive early on campus or remain into the early evening hours.

This commitment to the development of the complete student meets the social, recreational and co-curricular necessities of STH’s ever-diverse population, including a senior lounge, study rooms, club meeting rooms and a dining option area accommodating approximately 125 students.

A prayer room will be included to compliment the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel which remains on the south campus, ministering to the spiritual needs of the STH community.

“I believe it’s important to recognize that our students spend a significant portion of their St. Thomas experience outside the classroom,” president Fr. Storey said. “Their involvement

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FEATURE

CONTINUED

in student life, clubs, organizations and extracurricular activities contributes to their growth as leaders. Offering them additional space to create and perform, gather and connect, unwind and exercise is truly a blessing. We are dedicated as a school to the formation of mind, heart and soul.”

The Joplin Campus will also house an expanded sports medicine, strength and conditioning facility, plus a first-ever Eagle Wrestling center.

Renovation plans will update the current fourlane natatorium, along with a gymnasium and locker rooms designated for physical education classes and an already expanded Eagle intramural program, enhancing club sports opportunities and a more integrated social and wellness experience.

Replacing STH’s existing second floor weight and locker rooms will be an expanded science

corridor with classrooms and four innovative technical labs for STEM curriculum which emphasizes a collaborative and applied approach to the four specific disciplines while providing students with a foundation to pursue a number of growing, in-demand careers.

Longtime benefactor Al Clay ’61 was among the audience for the first Kirksey introduction.

“It’s a dynamic look and I love it,” Clay said.

“Countless hours have gone into putting this plan together. It really flows. I believe we’re on target to fit what we need in the now, 99% of what we purchased will be utilized. Moving Fr. Wilson Field makes sense. The key is that the future St. Thomas leaders will be able to make more of what we’re starting, the groundwork is being laid. We’re off and running.”

Clay was a one of the driving forces behind the relentless STH effort to win the best-final bid for the HISD property in November 2013 and contributed one of the two largest individual leadership gifts in the school’s history, a $10 million donation to 4500Forever which resulted in the naming of Clay-Storey Hall on the STH south campus, honoring both Al and his wife Dona, along with Fr. Storey, two visionary leaders who bravely stepped out to help give rise to this extraordinary period in STH history.

Clay’s unprecedented philanthropy was coupled with a $6 million matching gift from Jane and Bill Joplin ’54 which resulted in more than $14 million raised and pushed 4500Forever within close proximity of the $60 million needed to close on the 11-acre property renamed the Jane and Bill Joplin Campus.

Fr. Storey with benefactors Jane and Bill Joplin ’54

Fred Steves ’59 recognizes the new facilities as “impressive but it’s the substance that makes them uniquely St. Thomas. The plan is taking shape just as I envisioned when we seized the opportunity to make this purchase. Kirksey has really honed in on maximizing all that’s available from this property without piling additional costs beyond what is necessary.”

The STH redevelopment actually begins with a new and improved location for Fr. Wilson Field and filling that vacancy with two natural grass practice fields to serve many of the 12 varsity sports of a surging Eagle athletic program which has captured seven consecutive TAPPS allsports awards.

Vice-President for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ’83

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Eagle Baseball will be repositioned to the northeast area of the Joplin Campus and include ...

n n n n

artificial turf expanded playing dimensions spectator seating and media area state-of-the-art lighting

All the amenities necessary to maintain the rich winning tradition of the program, much more than a mere makeover for the home of 23 state champions since 1953.

“I truly believe it’s an opportunity to celebrate Fr. Wilson for all that he’s meant to St. Thomas and amateur baseball in Houston with a showcase venue,” athletic director Mike Netzel said.

“For all the history and for all the great players and coaches who are synonymous with Fr. Wilson ... we honestly have outgrown the present location. This move gives us a much larger physical footprint. The setting takes advantage of the surrounding residential neighborhood on Dickson Street, the same dynamic views of downtown and allows for alumni gathering areas.

Eagle supporters are among the best in the city and they’ll enjoy the more spacious fan-friendly facility.”

Two-time Eagle championship coach and Houston Astros Hall of Famer Craig Biggio along with prominent Eagle baseball alumni such as Frankie Mandola ’65, Ted Nowak ’70, Jeff McCurry ’88 and Adam Zornes ’04 were consulted on the relocation and gave unanimous approval.

HISD broke ground in October 2016 on its new campus for the High School for Law and Justice at Scott St. and Coyle St. in East Downtown. The project is slated to be finished by December 2017.

St. Thomas would then be positioned to take full control of the Joplin Campus in January 2018 to begin the renovation and construction process which is expected to be completed in time to welcome Eagle students at the start of the 201819 academic year.

“I am always excited when I see our community come together,” deTranaltes said. “Kirksey Architecture did a fantastic job listening to all the parties involved ... the Basilian Fathers, faculty members, coaches, staff, students and now the greater alumni and parent community. The new campus design, the layouts for the classrooms and the expansion of the STEM facilities are all a reflection of the input received. Working together to make St. Thomas the best it can be is what we are all about and have been for more than 100 years.”

sths.org

St. Thomas launched a major redesign of the school’s website developed by KH Studio, awardwinning branding and graphic design professionals based in Houston.

The site includes enhanced features and functionality, dynamic navigation and content, offering a combination of current news, announcements, videos, directories, event listings, links and downloads ... tools designed to help students and parents, faculty and staff, navigate campus information.

“With the entire St. Thomas community, as well as visitors and prospective families, being so highly mobile, we are excited to enhance the Eagle experience with this important new look,” said Mark deTranaltes ’83, the Vice President for Advancement. “This positions St. Thomas among those college preparatory schools setting the bar in terms of accessibility and convenience.”

n Check out the new sths.org and remember to

subscribe to the Big Red News and St. Thomas Daily Monthly enews, and the Eagles’ Nest publication, under the Support tab and then Communications.

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 13

Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

TAKING TEENS TO THE

LIMITS

“The summer commitments take us to the backcountry.

At Yosemite we’re patrolling areas that less than 10% of the visitors actually see. We’ll cover 40 miles over six days and not see another soul, not another person occupying the trails.”

– Daniel Bryant ’93

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F

aculty member Daniel Bryant ’93 has long held an appreciation for the remote reaches of wilderness, pausing throughout a long day along rock walls and rushing falls, stopping atop jagged ridges to gaze at the stunning natural wonders.

Yet for Bryant, the epic views from a vista resting at nearly 3,000 feet of elevation are no more captivating than peering into the untapped potential of his fellow backpackers, a collection of low-income teenagers, and helping them rise above systemic barriers to ignite dreams as grand as any canyon.

Four years ago Bryant joined forces with The Woods Project, an initiative founded in 2001 by Houston entrepreneur Steve Rosencranz, who saw a need for disadvantaged students which could be bridged with outdoor education and environmental awareness.

His micro group included two other adult volunteers and nine students, independent of the 56 campers overall, many experiencing airline travel or an extensive stay away from their families outside their urban neighborhoods for the first time.

The Woods Project provided and shipped all the necessary camping gear, tents and backpacks for the full two weeks. Kids showed up with their clothes for an ambitious adventure well outside their zip codes and comfort zones.

“We pull from more than a dozen partner schools and students are immediately paired with partners they do not know,” Bryant said. “Right away they must begin building relationships, that’s a challenge. Before they get off the bus from the airport, all

During the academic year Bryant serves as a wilderness counselor for the nonprofit enrichment program, leading overnight weekend trips which give teens a small taste of what is to come during the extended summer excursions, always involving backpacking, an introduction as well as an evaluation to see which candidates might best measure against the physical and mental challenges of taking on the likes of Big Thicket and beyond.

For the recent July journey to Glacier National Park, Bryant arrived three days prior to the hiking to arrange and secure logistics.

Bryant’s involvement with The Woods Project is in many ways an extension of his childhood growing up in Houston and his years at St. Thomas when he was infused with an appetite for nature’s iconic beauty and majesty.

“I was very blessed to have a family that relished the outdoors,” Bryant said. “My father and grandfather were avid hunters and encouraged me to join them. I enjoyed scouting and Eagle Scouts.

“My first weekend trip with Woods was Sam Houston National Park, just an hour and a half from Houston. The kids were marveling at how big the trees were. Juniors and seniors in high school were having their first s’more. I was stunned. I thought how deprived they had been of something special and this program is filling some of that void.”

Developing critical behaviors needed to achieve success in school and life is what Bryant simply describes as instilling “grit and resilience.”

“If a student is struggling on the trail, we make him the trail leader and he’s out front to the next way point, that’s a success,” Bryant said. “When they’re on a 40mile backpacking trip and make it start to finish, that’s a success.

It’s pushing through false limits, creating a realization that there is so much more to come in life that they can accomplish. And when it’s time for college, it’s actually time for college and not something else.”

maintaining the pace, setting camps, gathering firewood, cooking, cleaning, whatever needs to be done. You see natural leaders take command and also those who need to be encouraged. But there’s no retreating.

They have to face it and deal with it. When it’s your time, you’re up at 5:00 a.m. and preparing breakfast for the group.”

their IPhones and electronics are collected.

They won’t see them for two weeks. For the majority of the students, having that umbilical pulled, that’s a challenge. The bus eventually drops us off at the trailhead, and six-and-a-half days later will meet us at the pickup point, assuming we got there.”

Bryant’s July encounter delivered reasonably mild weather conditions, daytime temperatures in the mid-70s with evening drops into the 50s. The daily discovery for his hike crew was much more than a simple mix of sunshine and scenery.

“Once you’re on the trail, it’s all about shared responsibilities,” Bryant described.

“The trip is for the campers. The adults are trained to assure safety but we’re not there to provide for them. They’re responsible for

Bryant returned to his biology and chemistry curriculum with particular takeaways from his latest experience, a personal gratitude to take in Glacier Park “because the glaciers are going away and they predict there will be none left within the next 40 years.”

But the satisfaction that struck deepest for Bryant was for an exploration that revealed for his campers an insight into self, paving a foundation of confidence that figures to translate to other aspects of their near term and far future lives.

“One of our July campers struggled from the start,” Bryant said. “Every day was a physical challenge. But as we reached the second week, he seemed to develop more energy, felt better about himself. He told me when we returned that he now realizes he has to take better care of himself, needs to stay more active, get more exercise, not just for the two weeks on the trails, but moving forward. That can be a life-changing experience in more ways than one.”

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Eagle

SPIRIT A Difference From Our Small Corner of the World............. p23 Social Studies Dean Brett Mills - Student for Life......... p28 Twelfth Night Hits Comedic Heights............................ p29 Annual Basilian Tradition Breakfast........................ p32

Nicaragua Mission Trip, p21

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Eagle

SPIRIT

LIVING UP S

t. Thomas proudly salutes elite scholars for outstanding academic accomplishment.

Scott Pickering ’17, Adam Lawrence ’17 and John Miggins ’17 are among 16,000 students across the United States who have earned semifinal distinction in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program based on each student’s Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) results.

These prominent Eagle scholars now have an opportunity to advance to the Finalist level of competition by meeting additional standards and fulfilling several requirements. These include having a record of very high academic performance in college preparatory coursework, SAT scores that confirm the PSAT / NMSQT performance, and the completion of a detailed scholarship application.

Since 2010, 27 STH scholars have earned

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at least the semifinal phase of one of the nation’s most prestigious college scholarship programs. Semifinalists named in each year’s Merit Scholarship competition show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies, and represent less than 1% of each state’s high school seniors.

Nine St. Thomas students are among 34,000 high-performing students named National Merit Commended Students, including Ryan Chandler ’17, Michael Hill ’17, Erich Hennings ’17, Michael Jakab ’17, Nathaniel Jolly ’17, Lars Koehn ’17, Jean-Pierre Nguyen ’17, William Price ’17 and Winfield Sides ’17.

Annually the College Board recognizes the top Hispanic and Latino students for their performance on the PSAT. Raul Huerta ’17, Nicholas Lanza ’17, Adam Lawrence ’17, Nabor Mireles ’17, Benjamin Muniz ’17, Alejandro Solorzano ’17 and Dominic Vela ’17 are

TO THE LEGACY now invited to participate in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Additional distinction is bestowed through membership in the STH Chapter of the National Honor Society, moderated by dean of science Pete Nordloh, Ph.D. and achieved through a selection process based upon exemplary scholarship, enthusiastic service, steadfast leadership and Basilian character, qualities associated with NHS since its founding in 1921.

Membership in the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school achievement is both prestigious and a responsibility with selected students expected to continue to demonstrate the NHS core standards.

St. Thomas NHS officers for the 2016-17 academic year include president JeanPierre Nguyen ’17, vice-president Asher Price ’17, treasurer Chris Bagale ’17 and secretary John Miggins ’17.

Members include: Muzamil Abdullatif ’17, Hadrian Barbosa ’17, Riley Bishop ’17, Jordan Broussard ’17, Abel Caillouet ’17, Richard Cantoni ’17, Neal Deitz ’17, Mark Dolan ’17, Samuel Folb ’17, Gerardo Guajardo ’17, Matthew Harris ’17, Michael Hill ’17, David Hotze ’17, Tyler Huggins ’17, Michael Jakab ’17, Jake Johnson ’17, Nathaniel Jolly ’17, Younsu Kang ’17, Lars Koehn ’17, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski ’17, Eric Lindberg ’17, John Magness ’17, Jordan Margaret ’17, Dralon McCoy ’17, Nabor Mireles ’17, Christian Mitchell ’17, Benjamin Muniz ’17, Andrew Neaves ’17, Benancio Palomo ’17, Luke Pelletier ’17, Scott Pickering ’17, William Sage ’17, Scot Sarlin ’17, Alejandro Solorzano ’17, Justin Van ’17, Dominic Vela ’17, Grant Williams ’17 and Samuel Yeboah ’17.

New members for the 2016-17 academic year include from the Class of 2017: Chad Coffey, Robert Gordon, Raul Huerta, Adam Lawrence, Chau Nguyen, Nicholas Phan, Alex Rzasnicki, Winfield Sides and Robert Wright ...

And from the Class of 2018: Henry Adair, Nathanial Belcher, Nicolas Brito, Juan Castillo, Peter Chauvel, Kennth Dang, Samuel Donoho, Philip Everist, Joshua Falcone, Tristan Fauntleroy, George Fisher, Daniel Garcia, Joshua Gensheimer, Copper Gottschalk, Barrett Gregory, Zachary Hamm, Mario Juguilon, Noah Kotlarek, Andrew Leyendecker, Philip Matulia, Gabriel Meriano, Michael Patton, Adam Rinaldi, Haden Ritchie, Parker Rzasnicki, Chase Shanley, Trevor Sides, Mathew Soto, Christopher Thomas and Wallace Woodlief.

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Eagle

SPIRIT

2016 OPEN HOUSE Great thanks to all who contributed to the overwhelming response to our welcoming event for future Eagles and their families, allowing them to discover the lifelong benefits of a cutting-edge, 21st century St. Thomas experience and brotherhood unlike any other.

Those visitors who had the opportunity to get to know us better no doubt left with a greater understanding as to why St. Thomas is on a mission. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the fields or on the job, our students and graduates excel in every competitive area. Our commitment to Catholic Basilian ideals, academic excellence and service means making a difference in the world and building champions for life.

Eagle Fight Never Dies!

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Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

T

y Huggins ’17 quickly transitioned from his summer serving as a go-to IT consultant at Houston Distributing Company to fully immersed into his fall curriculum which included AP Calculus, AP Spanish 4 and Advanced Economics.

He also awaited off-season workout sessions for the upcoming varsity wrestling season and perhaps a spring close-out with Eagle Lacrosse.

SIMPLER

TIMES

GENUINE

GIVING

And all the while he was being served social media and messaging from all angles and platforms, Huggins remained grounded by and connected to a St. Thomas mission experience to Nicaragua where he witnessed how material poverty hadn’t stripped the people from an unwavering spirit and faith.

“Everyone there has so much less than we do (in the United States) but across the board they are also cable of living such happier lives,” Huggins said. “Tells me you don’t need that much to be happy.”

Huggins was part of a group of 19 Eagle students led by foreign language dean Bill Dooley that partnered in June with Amigos for Christ, a service ministry and community development organization that strengthens families in rural Nicaraguan communities through projects in the areas of water and sanitation, healthcare, education and economic development.

“It is inspiring to hear the amazing people talk about how the Lord has blessed them and how the Lord sustains them in

their need,” Dooley said. “These people are so rich in their Catholic faith. Both as a team and individually, we grew closer to God, and it was truly a beautiful thing to see at many different times the Holy Spirit working through each one of us in the different groups.”

Dooley was teaching at Jesuit High School in New Orleans in 2005 when he rallied his first group to Central America on the heels of a hurricane. The focus has changed over the years, from an emphasis on permanent housing from temporary shacks, to clean water and clean air.

For two days the Eagles embraced physical labor in sweltering conditions, first fortifying a school construction in La Chuscada and then tilling a field to lay grass for what promises to be as a recess area. Later during their stay the group continued inauguration of a freshwater system in La Grecia where a previous St. Thomas team worked in 2015.

“The community had never had running water,” Dooley said. “They would have to walk miles to a dirty well, that’s all that was available. It was quite impressive to see the results of our working together to make this happen.

“The language is not a barrier. One student would grab a shovel, another an ax, whatever was needed, everyone giving so much of themselves without being told, not for a reward, never a complaint.”

Dooley paints an honest and accurate scene

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CONTINUED

of what his service groups encounter during their annual pilgrimages.

“Nicaragua is the poorest country in the region and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere,” he said.

“It borders Honduras, Costa Rica and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Nicaragua’s history has been marked by continuous upheaval in the form of corruption, foreign intervention, war, rebellion and natural disasters.

“The capital city, Managua, has been damaged twice by earthquakes (in 1932 and 1972). After much political turmoil, a democratic process was established in 1990 with the election of Violeta Chamorro as President.

Nicaragua is tentatively moving forward toward economic growth but the country’s infrastructure is tenuous.

Its greatest resource, however, are its young people. Regrettably, more than half these children live in poverty, especially in rural areas. Many children have no access to education or are forced to leave school to support their families. The Nicaraguan government lacks the means to provide widespread social services, so outside assistance from nations such as the United States is welcomed.”

Rarely does Generation Z seize the opportunity to divorce themselves from their digital playgrounds, raised in the era of smartphones, not remembering a time before social media networks emerged as weapons of mass distraction.

But Ryan Chandler ’17 discovered an appreciation for a world quite contrary to his comforts of home.

“We were in a compound in the middle of a small town with no Wi-Fi and no air conditioning,” Chandler said. “I thought that would be a big sacrifice but it gave us a lot more time to socialize, get to know people, play sports. Life slowed down. I loved it.”

Huggins added that “it’s not uncommon in the United States that if things don’t go exactly how you want, if you don’t have the latest Iphone or gadget or whatever, there’s a dissatisfaction,

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EAGLES ATTENDING THE NICARAGUAN MISSION TRIP Jose Arizmendi ’17

Riley Bishop ’17 Grant Caillouet ’17 Jose Cedillo ’17 Ahmad Chenevert ’17 Sam Folb ’17 Myles Fucci ’17 Elliott Hammon ’17 Nicholas Hebert ’17 Alex Huerta ’17 Will Melbourne ’16 Nabor Mireles ’17 Anton Poral ’16 Asher Price ’17 Daniel Silguero ’17 Dominic Vela ’17 Max Vela ’17

almost an anger. Since I’ve been back I’ve tried to realize (those pursuits are) not really all that important.”

The transformative nature of the mission experience is Dooley’s greatest takeaway, for students to step out of their comfort zones, interact and connect with another culture facing socioeconomic challenges, and utilize their St. Thomas education as an invitation to help change the lives of those in need.

“I continue to wear a bracelet I purchased for $4 from a local merchant who was raising money for one of the schools,” Chandler said. “It’s a reminder of the outlook I gained from the trip.

The biggest lesson is to be grateful for all that you have, understand what so many others do not have. That’s a perspective that stays with you, that many problems at school or at work don’t really matter in the long run. I try to remind myself of that, to slow down and not get worked up.”

Dooley’s diligent efforts to encourage Eagle students are a consistent thread within the overarching St. Thomas fabric, a Basilian mission beyond excellent educational standards inspired and guided by great spiritual direction.

“When we as a St. Thomas community visited last year, there were five former students who gave up their summers to serve as student servant leaders,” Dooley said. “So many from this most recent trip have already asked me, ‘When are we going again?’”

And when Dooley and his band next arrive they will no doubt again charge the heights of Cerro Negro, Central America’s youngest and one of the region’s most active volcanos.

“We all go up and wait until everyone reaches the top. Then there’s almost a sprint down,” Dooley said. “From the summit you can’t help but see the hand of God in all this, the beauty, a wealth of natural resources and stunning natural wonders, providing His picture every day for those who have so little else.”

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FEATURE

a difference from our small corner of the world

Prior to the current academic year Matulia connected with Cross Catholic Outreach, a 501c3 Catholic relief and development ministry registered with the Diocese of Palm Beach in South Florida, and quickly recognized an opportunity to galvanize Eagle students and the campus community with a collaborative effort very much consistent with the Basilian mission to serve the needs of others.

“I’ve spent so much time with Loaves and Fishes and on mission trips to Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. And next year we have a visit planned for Cuba,” Matulia said. “You realize there’s no reason we should have hunger in the world.

I’m just glad that with all the problems that we read about every single day, St. Thomas could be part of a solution, to try to make a difference from our small corner of the world.”

According to the Cross Catholic’s website, the organization is committed to providing “food, shelter, medical care, education and emergency relief to the poorest of the poor in dioceses around the world in the name of Christ ... housing for the homeless, medicines and health care for the indigent and clean water for communities that have none.”

C

emo Auditorium is often a buzz of St.Thomas student activity, whether the latest rave-review theatre production, the rejoicing surround sound from a Christmas concert or a celebratory salute to awardwinning Eagle Athletics.

But few swirls within Cemo have ever matched the impact which was recently carried from campus and felt beyond borders.

Ivan Chavez ’19 was side-by-side working in tandem with his fellow sophomores, along with volunteer faculty and staff, donned in hairnets and aprons, stuffing then sealing airtight packets with food, and packing boxes with life-saving nutrition for the chronically malnourished.

Cross Catholic is involved in various You(th) versus Hunger events with academic institutions but this partnership with St. Thomas was one of a limited number that would generate as many as 100,000 Vitafood meals, nutrient-rich foods scientifically designed to feed developing nations.

Cross Catholic Development Officer Katie McCarthy was a witness to the St. Thomas food-packing event and marveled at how the Eagle brotherhood embraced the cause.

“I love seeing so many young people involved and excited,” McCarthy said. “I want them to walk away from this with the feeling of giving back, to go home to dinner with their families, recognize that not every child has that very same opportunity, and understand that today they did something to make sure those in need were fed.”

In the afternoon the Class of 2020 assumed the assembly line production, and by the end of the academic day, the collective STH effort, paired with an anonymous donor whose philanthropy graciously provided $25,000 in support, would generate 100,000 meals for villages in Nicaragua, Haiti and Guatemala.

For generations St. Thomas has instilled social responsibility in nurturing the complete student by creating a culture rooted in volunteer service, emphasizing that individual formation requires more than achievement in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, but is buttressed and balanced by devoting significant energy and talent for the betterment of communities.

“It’s a great way to help a community, and come together and bond as a (student) group at the same time,” Chavez said. “I didn’t really know what to expect but it’s amazing to think that we could help feed so many people in just a few hours. It’s great that St. Thomas would get us all involved in such a project.”

Matulia believes the impetus for this fellowship with Cross Catholic was built months before during a summer service project with the Houston Food Bank, as part of the inaugural Camp GDK for incoming Eagle freshmen, all with the aim of laying the foundation for a lifelong stewardship for sacrifice, sharing and social justice.

More than a decade ago St. Thomas Campus Ministry under the dedicated direction of Marty Matulia established a consistently strong relationship with Magnificat House and its Loaves and Fishes program which provides meals for many of Houston’s hungry and homeless.

“I know that so many of our students will eventually become successful professionals and the civic leaders of tomorrow,” Matulia said. “They’ll be in a position of influence or means.

My hope is that after participating in projects like this, they’ll remain inspired to continue to help those less fortunate.”

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Eagle

SPIRIT “We all agreed that if there were enough dads interested, we could get this ball rolling. And look at this crowd.”

– Tim Ruch

Dads’ Club President

C

ties that bind

ampus ministry director Marty Matulia marveled at the hot August night throng packing the St. Thomas cafeteria and beamed with a oneword reaction to describe the bustling scene.

“Unbelievable!”

The inaugural Dads’ Club Father-Son BBQ produced a years-in-the-making overnight sensation, a union of Eagles with fathers and friends sharing in fun, food and fellowship.

“When we first talked about staging something like this, we thought if we had 50-60 in attendance we would call it a success,” Matulia said. “Then the RSVPs started rolling in and we have close to 300 in here tonight. Just incredible.”

Eagles lined tables throughout swapping catch-up summer stories.

Former booster club president Steve Winter was seated in the center next with T.J. Burns ’79 ... exchanging expectations for the senior call involving their sons Max ’17 and Davis ’17 ... with Burns bracing for an immediate encore with Nick ’18.

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One-time alumni director Willie Madden ’82 manned the main serving line anticipating his own upcoming double-duty with Marshall ’18 and Josh ’19.

Pat McLaughlin may have seen his son Conor ’16 graduate the previous May, yet returned to serve as the evening’s reigning pit maestro, calling forth just the right combination of smoke and fire to deliver more than 100 pounds of deep-pink brisket that boasted a girdle of fat that had taste buds cheering.

The setting proved a perfect welcome to the St. Thomas culture for fathers like Jamey Rootes, whose son Christopher ’20 was not even a first full week into his freshman introduction.

“This is obviously a great opportunity for him to meet new classmates and for me to engage with fathers and bounce ideas,” said Rootes, the president of the Houston Texans. “This gives us a network of dads who are going through many of the same challenges and also enjoying the same journey ... what a great benefit for all us in the school.”

“There’s a hunger for involvement like this, a belonging.

That’s what St. Thomas is about and has always been about.”

– Marty Matulia

STH Campus Ministry Director

Campus Ministry Director Marty Matulia

Dads’ Club president Tim Ruch believes the genesis for this revitalized Dads’ Club occurred soon after the freshmen fatherson retreat during the 2013-14 academic year.

“That event was so great, a chance to bond with our sons and fathers with each other,” Ruch said. “Willie and I agreed that we needed to work hard to keep this moving forward because with just a little bit of momentum we could have something really powerful. Marty and I talked, then (president) Fr. (Kevin) Storey and I talked, and we all agreed that if there were enough dads interested, we could get this rolling.

And look at this crowd.”

Ruch added that at “The Regis School we had a tight knit group of parents, tight knit group of dads, and if you had issues with your son, or if I had issues with mine, we could talk to each other and help figure out a solution. Fathers want to meet other fathers. Otherwise, you can feel as though you are on an island.”

Ruch and his son Mason ’18 are teaming on a idea for this academic year borrowed

from tradition-thick Notre Dame after the two were struck during a spring visit to the South Bend campus.

For nearly 30 years, Fighting Irish backers have proudly donned “The Shirt” as a kind of uniform for home football games and athletic events to present single solitary support.

Mason consulted with STH Vice President for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ’83 and ignited a similar student organized initiative to bring together the Eagle student body, alumni and parents with proceeds of “The Shirt” designate for student clubs and the Rectors Fund, which provides financial assistance for students facing unexpected difficulties.

The St. Thomas version of “The Shirt” features the signature school crest on the front, the project logo on the sleeve and this year’s theme of 100 state Eagle championships ... and counting.

The Ruchs hope the effort will paint particular sections of Granger Stadium, Reckling Gymnasium and Fr. Wilson Field with

a consistent red hue while capturing the spirit of the Eagle community.

“My father and I both saw an opening to unify the student body,” Mason said.

“When we go to the games, so many of us just wear whatever, including me. I think the students will really see the buy-in and this will become a yearly project we all rally around.”

Matulia surveyed the Saturday night special with a confidence the Dads’ Club event would create a continued enthusiasm to spawn future father-son enrichment throughout the ensuing academic year.

“When we have Round-Up or the Auction and Gala, you see the response, you see the St. Thomas pride,” Matulia said. “Dads’ Club can be a catalyst for the same kind of involvement. When we started those retreats more a decade ago the big picture intent was never about just the retreat but the chance to continue to build our Christian community.

There’s a hunger for involvement like this, a belonging. That’s what St. Thomas is about and has always been about.”

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SPIRIT

SPIRITUAL BOND UNITES

EAGLES WITH FATHERS

Shawn Walker with Christopher ’17

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D

aniel Cardinal DiNardo has led the Galveston-Houston archdiocese since 2006 and has consistently prioritized engagement with the St. Thomas academic community.

Twice in the 2016 calendar year the Archbishop served as a principal celebrant and homilist, most recently to celebrate the annual Father / Son Mass on All Saints Day. “I come here for the young men, to see them in the context of Mass and then visit one-on-one afterwards,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “I see so many sharp and intelligent individuals and they need to be formed in the faith because they are leading the charge into the future.”

Cardinal DiNardo particularly relishes the opportunity to connect with Eagle students within the critical context of the father-son dynamic.

“Fathers can demonstrate that there’s a history, that we can live through difficult and trying times and overcome,” DiNardo said. “At the same time, sons can often remind their fathers of the ideals and optimism of youth, ignite a spontaneity that may have been temporarily lost. Together they represent a true force in the toxic environment that is around each one of us every day.”

In Cardinal DiNardo’s homily he encouraged those in the audience at Reckling Gymnasium to follow the way of the Beatitudes, the litany of what it means to be “blessed” and the ultimate blueprint for living the Christian life.

What everyone thinks is important, Jesus shows that is totally unimportant ...

The Beatitudes are a description of a loser, some would say today. No, they’re a description of Jesus.

Reality is tough for us to understand in the Beatitudes today because for so many (in our society) reality is only what can be analyzed, packaged, marketed, bought and consumed. How do you package, how do you market the Beatitudes ...

Pope Francis was so intent on the Beatitudes that he called for a Holy Year of Mercy because the central Beatitude is “blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” It takes strength to recognize the mercy of God shown to you ...

Fathers and mentors, mercy is not always seen as a gift. Courage and honesty, yes. But mercy seems weak. The strength you can show in showing mercy is a strength that derives from (a) deeper (presence) than you. And why a realistic appraisal is so crucial for you to practice as an example for your sons. Those who are genuine men know what mercy is. Beg the Lord in his mercy to grant you just one of the Beatitudes, hungry for justice or pure of heart and single purpose. Beg the Lord for just one.

– Daniel Cardinal DiNardo

Shawn Walker has valued the chance to participate in that kind of message as a repeated presence at the Father / Son Masses for five years, sharing first with his son Kyle ’16, a thriving freshman at Texas A&M, and now for the final time with rising senior Christopher ’17.

“This day really goes to being a man of St. Thomas,” Walker said. “It’s critically important for our sons to understand what defines authentic manhood. These Masses are a significant way we participate together, form a stronger bond, and take part in a St. Thomas tradition that we’re determined to keep as a fabric of our family.”

Testimony such as Walker’s gives Cardinal DiNardo great gratification knowing that St. Thomas is bracing for significant expansion with the addition of the Joplin Campus funded by the 4500Forever and the 4500Forever Finish Strong capital campaign.

The most ambitious fundraising effort in the school’s 116-year history will secure the school’s future by increasing enrollments while providing dramatically enhanced student opportunities and supporting initiatives advancing academic innovation.

“Great for Catholic education in this city because it shows that this school is vibrant and relevant in the current times and that is what we need for witness in the world,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “It shows the growth and demand moving forward for this beautiful liberal arts education in the tradition of the Basilians.”

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SPIRIT

B

STUDENT FOR LIFE

rett Mills was occupied with summer travel both inside and beyond the United States border before deep diving into his 15th academic year at St. Thomas as dean of the social studies department.

But rather than absorbing point break waves on Baja or strolling the Seven Mile on Grand Cayman, Mills opted for more stimulating getaway options.

He pursued an ambitious double dose of one-week academic developments. First, a fellowship in Arlington, Virginia with the Bill of Rights Institute sponsored by the Liberty Fund which examined the constitutional principles of liberty, separation of powers, republican government and the arguments of both the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.

Mills then immediately embarked for Scotland and the University of Edinburgh where he took part in a collaboration with the Gilder Lehrman Institute focusing on Jefferson and the Enlightenment, specifically Jefferson’s life and times and his principles of reason to the major challenges he confronted as a revolutionary, diplomat, politician and elder statesman.

Mills’ ambitious motives for what his wife Sonya affectionately refers to as “history nerd camp” are direct, believing that such professional development is “absolutely essential to grow intellectually. And if you don’t, it’s a disservice to

28 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

your students. I’ve always sought these kinds of opportunities, the best in the field who are available, discovering new ideas and greater depth. It energizes you and enhances your educational delivery when you return to the classroom.”

while also suggesting that “the older I get, the less I seem to know.”

Mills deeply believes that fellowship participation is not only both professionally and personally invigorating but also “a demonstration to the students Participation in such elite fellowships that learning truly is an active life-long is highly competitive. Mills was one of pursuit. And they can sense if you’re only 20 applicants accepted to Edinfaking it. You have to have genuine burgh from more than 800 candidates command and expertise in front of the ... and one of only a dozen to share in classroom, often times in subtle and the Jefferson conference which required small ways. This is really all about more than 1,200 pages of source readenriching their St. Thomas experience. ing and then demanded a series of rigor- The more passion you bring to the conous discussions. tent, the more they will share and feed Mills’ academic background and empha- off that. And the depth of our dialogue proves to be great preparation for their sis has been primarily military history college and university studies.” but recently has “gone back in the last five-six years to my undergraduate roots Mills felt refortified for his fall teaching and early Republic and Jefferson, which load which again included United States made the Edinburgh experience so entic- History, U.S in Conflict and U.S. and ing. Frank Cogliano is one of the most World Affairs. What didn’t change in respected Jefferson scholars anywhere, any way was the instilled belief that has so to have the opportunity to work with served him well throughout his nearly him one-on-one was amazing. And the two decades at St. Thomas, often setting is beyond description, the sixth emphasizing to the student group “that oldest university in the English-speaking the most important muscle in their body world, buildings which date to the 1500s, is the brain ... use it. I don’t require an academic history almost unmatched anything from them initially other than anywhere in the world.” a curiosity. And when you can meet In a 10-minute casual conversation Mills them at that crossroads, where they is comfortably adept at dropping quotes begin to think and engage, it is truly aweinspiring. The students we have here on from German philosopher Immanuel this campus are so impressive.”

Kant or essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson

Eagle

SPIRIT

O

ne of Shakespeare’s most beloved and most performed comedies dating more than 400 years made for a memorable weekend of mayhem served with the genuine gusto of St. Thomas Theatre.

The free-spirited Twelfth Night, directed

by Dan Green and presented at the Moran Fine Arts Center in Cemo Auditorium, brought an energetic and polished pursuit to an acclaimed work rooted in the pursuit of happiness, where love is forever in the air and “nothing that is so, is so.”

“We had eight weeks to tell this story, and given that we had that limited amount of time, I can’t believe we pulled it off as well as we did,” Green said. “A beautiful performance with amazing work from our actors and one of the absolute best sets we’ve ever had ... quite a statement.”

TWELFTH NIGHT Hits Comedic Heights

The classical farcical tale of ridiculous pranks, romance and role reversal sparked by a complicated love triangle wherein Orsino (Ryan Deitz ’17) loves Olivia (Allie Gomez from Incarnate Word Academy), who loves Cesario, who is actually Viola (IWA’s Lauren Turner), who loves Orsino.

Adding to the dizzy and jovial mix were Michael Patton ’18 as Viola’s lookalike brother Sebastian, Andrew Neaves ’17 as Olivia’s blustering uncle in debauchery Sir Toby Belch, Alec Jordan ’17 as delightful curmudgeon Malvolio, and the always robust Parker Robertson ’18 as the not-so-foolish fool Feste, a jester who thoroughly embodied the spirit and folly of the madcap festivities.

“First-rate performances across the board,” Green said. “Ryan has always been a workhorse in our productions. Parker and Andrew really delivered their A-game which is what we have become accustom to seeing. Alec truly captured the core of our villain. I can’t say enough about passion and precision that Lauren and Allie brought.

“But what I appreciate as much as anything is how generous all our actors were in raising the collective performance level of the entire cast We had some moments where seniors gave way to freshmen who in turn got the laughs. And how they’re hooked.

They are revved to do theatre in the next three years. I applaud what was truly a collaborate effort.”

The four-performance engagement entertained audiences with a slew of mistaken identities laden with some of the finest comedic scenes in the English language. The truth eventually emerged with the figures on the chess board paired in unlikely ways, love proving itself fickle or powerful - all depending on the perspective.

“Our actors were particularly dedicated in abstracting the meaning of the story,” Green said. “They were incredibly dedicated to understand and act every line of the Shakespeare and just toss lip service to the material.”

Of equal billing to a the star-powered cast was a globe-like theatre reminiscent of the Bard’s Elizabethan playhouse, expertly crafted by faculty members Phil Gensheimer and Steven Fuchs, chief engineer Duane Fuchser, with valuable contributions from within the St. Thomas community, notably Adam Maloney ’17 who designed an elaborate bench and table, augmented by superb lighting from Joseph Hassell ’18.

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CONTINUED

“Go big or go home is our mantra,” Green said. “Creating excitement for the cast and crew and staff and audience is always what we embrace. When I suggested aloud what I had in mind to Steven, Phil and Duane, they were immediately on board.

“It was fascinating to have that setting inside Cemo Auditorium, to replicate what it would have been like to experience Shakespeare in 1602. We are now in the process of finding an off-campus facility to store and save at least a portion of that set so we may add and utilize in the future.”

The enduring full-titled Twelfth Night, or What You Will has commanded the immense talents over generations from a wide array of acclaimed performers ranging from Diana Rigg and Judi Dench to Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway ... Ian Holm and Ian McKellen to Stephen Fry and Eddie Redmayne ... even a 2006 film adaptation She’s the Man starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum.

Green admitted during rehearsals to great anticipation for how his actors would welcome the challenge of bringing some of Shakespeare’s most identifiable, and zany, characters to life, and was gratified to have the production measure beyond his lofty expectations.

“Traditionally our actors initially greet Shakespeare with ‘I hate it, I hate it,’” Green said. “Then, ‘It’s not the worst.’ Then, ‘I like it ... I like it a lot ... this is great.’

Before you know it, they start loving the material. The language was deep and that required significant effort in order to interpret. All of which made the final result all the more pleasurable.”

Green is all but committed into next presenting The Addams Family Musical, that lovable gang creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky, and of course altogether ooky.

Patrons are encouraged to look for the magnificently morbid world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch, based on the original Charles Addams cartoon characters, March 24-26 on the STH campus.

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SPIRIT

Eagle salutes to Dante Segura ’19, Ryan Deitz ’17 and Daniel Tran ’19 (l-r), all earning allregion distinction from the Texas Private School Music Educators Association and their recorded auditions now advance to the next round of judging for 2016 all-state choir.

Segura, Deitz and Tran will perform as members of the all-region choir January at St. Agnes Academy.

Eagle Rugby flanker Griffin Maat ’17 was named USA Rugby High School All American for the second consecutive year and invited to the prestigious 2016 Winter Camp in Casa Grande, Arizona later in 2016.

Maat is one of the dominant players in the prestigious history of Eagle Rugby and projects to be a difference-making catalyst primed for a sensational senior send off.

“He’s got a ton of talent but what separates Griffin is the drive. He wants it more than anything else and works his tail off to get it,” coach Jim Wolfinger said.

“Tremendous fitness. He’s a machine. And even with all that he’s accomplished individually, he understands there are ways to improve and he wants to get there.”

Eagle faculty, staff and students raised and donated $2,300 to the American Red Cross for Louisiana relief efforts in the wake of historic flooding.

The STH faculty also continued a fund identified for the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. Prayers from the extended Eagle community are with the people of Louisiana and their ongoing recovery.

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SPIRIT

The Annual Basilian Tradition Breakfast

drew a robust Sunday morning gathering to share faith and community while launching the 2016-17 St. Thomas Annual Fund ... Every Gift Counts.

The concelebration included president Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB ... Fr. Bob Glass, CSB ... Fr. Mitch Dowalgo, CSB ... and Fr. Albert Gaelens, CSB along with Deacon Leonard Lockett.

chosen to come to know. That’s something (the Basilian Fathers of St. Thomas) bring ... that diversity which is a part of our DNA and becomes the diversity seen in our student body, in our families, that which makes St. Thomas what it is ... and makes all of us richer.

Vice President for Advancement Mark deTranaltes ‘83 spoke briefly to explain one of the most powerful and immediate ways supporters can help Eagle students is by contributing In his homily Fr. Storey emphasized what he believes defines to the Annual Fund which provides a core source of financial the impact and legacy that the Basilians have exercised on its assistance for the institution’s most urgent needs, including apostolate of higher education. critical resources to energize programs and initiatives that benefit the entire campus Most religious orders in the world have community and give the Basilian Fathers the “We don’t graduate a significant charismatic leader (who) to meet new challenges and fresh provided a very clear sense of who and students, we graduate flexibility ideas. what a Dominican or Franciscan or a Jesuit family. That’s what should be. The Basilians are one of only two “The Annual Fund is what upgrades our religious orders in the entire history of the technology, allows our faculty members we consider all those Catholic church not to have the same. We attend professional development, puts who joined us today.” to had 10 founders who came together and supplies in our classrooms, keeps the utilities not of them was a glowing influence on the running,” deTranaltes ‘83 said. “In essence, – Mark deTranaltes ’83 others ... and there are two characteristics bridges the gap between tuition and our total Vice President for Advancement that I think make us Basilian ... yearly costs.”

One is that we possess a huge value for St. Thomas has been shaped since it’s community ... a great respect for the power inception in 1900 by a succession of of communal decision, rather than an individual charismatic visionary men and women who invested their time, insight and decision ... financial resources to build one of the leading all boys college preparatory schools in the nation. Alumni, parents and friends And the other is a desire and belief in diversity, a stance that we who renew their Eagle ties with essential contributions to the don’t simply accept, but something that makes us intrinsically Annual Fund continue to share in that Basilian mission and better human beings ... learning from the example and holiness enable St. Thomas to fulfill its potential. of others ... especially those we might have otherwise never

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SPIRIT Guedry said. “What are the differences in preparing for those assessments? What are the comparisons? How do the high schools interpret the results? Hearing the representatives from each high school articulate their perspective and now having that information available for our parents is so important.

Same with math and math placement tests, always critical for schools which feed into a college preparatory environment.”

PARTNERS

IN PROGRESS

A Strength in Numbers philosophy has served St.Thomas well for generations, teaming like-minded talents to achieve a wide variety of desired goals, whether academic, athletic, spiritual or financial.

For the latest in a yearly professional development series, that cooperative mantra meant partnering with three sisters schools to provide transparency to what is becoming one of a parent’s more stressful processes ... applying to high school.

Dean of Students Rodney Takacs (left)

Sugar Land, as well as inner loop schools such as St. Anne, St. Michael, St. Thomas More and St. Vincent de Paul, along with Calvary Episcopal Preparatory, Grace School, River Oaks Baptist School and Western Academy, among others.

Also in attendance was Dr. Julie Vogel, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Admissions director Taffy Daussin and counselor Iris Spells played principal roles in the panel discussions, with an emphasis “Test scores and grades are obviously on the importance of strong study skills for an important measure but what we’re incoming freshmen, and the psychological, identifying at St. Thomas is that student who is prepared in knowing how to learn, social and emotional aspects of education who can excel as a complete student,” said which have gained traction in recent years as major drivers of student achievement. dean of students Rodney Takacs.

“Here’s what St. Thomas is evaluating on a deep level ... do prospective students have the skills and intellectual approach to the type of learning that will pave the way for personal and scholastic success not only here but moving forward to the college and university level. The message to our audience is that we are serious about our approach and creating the best learning environment for our students.”

The Fifth Annual Middle School Administrators Conference, co-hosted with Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Incarnate Word Academy and St. Agnes Academy, engaged and informed administrators to make an oftentimes daunting exercise more predictable and rewarding.

The intended takeaway was to present a proactive approach to admissions, rooted in long-term planning, strategic and intentional.

“Admissions is an absolute puzzle,” said Donald Cramp, Ed.D., the Head of Upper School for Duchesne. “There’s no one set answer, no one trick play. There are no deal-breakers or guarantees. It’s a package that each school develops so that each one can best service the incoming students and bring out their best. Our host schools while different in some ways echoed a consistent message, separating fact from fiction, which empowers these middle schools to structure their curriculum and provide accurate information when communicating with their respective communities.”

Critical to understanding how the admissions process actually works is having students and parents confidently pursue what genuinely interests them rather than staging an application which they presume admissions officers want to see.

A hook can be a sport, or a musical instrument, or a keen interest in social service and volunteerism, or a love of the performing arts, which defines beyond strict academic acclaim.

Charlotte Conner is the assistant principal St. Edward Catholic School after five years as the instructional coordinator and pilot program director of Special People in Catholic Education (SPICE) at St. Laurence.

“You certainly understand that preparing students for high school is not merely a test, not just an eighth grade year priority. Its forming that student for years,” she said. “I also appreciate the networking opportunity this gathering provides to help us build long term relationships which should pay dividends for our students in years to come.”

Previously the STH sponsored conferences focused on such topics as ... n supporting and motivating educators integrating new age tools and techniques into daily curriculum n the proliferation of technology and social media changing the way educators teach and students learn n effective strategies for fueling the gaps in opportunity for students with learning differences

“We have great relationships with our middle schools,” president Fr. Kevin Sponsored by St. Thomas Advancement Storey, CSB said. “There’s a wealth of Jeffrey Guedry is the four-year dean of stuand coordinated by Molly Hittinger professional talent who can learn from dents at The Regis School. He recognized on the STH campus, nearly 30 middle each other given the proper context. We “two particular hot topics in play” which schools participate in the education forum, embrace providing that arena and pushing will strike home with his constituents. including Catholic parish schools such as the dialogue so that these educators might Christ the Redeemer in Cypress-Fairbanks, “One is the HSPT (High School Placement better engage and inspire their students.

St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands, The feedback from year to year is that our Test (HSPT) and the ISEE (Independent efforts are significantly valuable.”

St. Helen in Pearland, St. Laurence in School Entrance Exam) for admissions,”

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FIGHT

Eagle salute to 2016 Homecoming queen Sarah Grant from St. Agnes Academy ... and her court of Maddie Sears and Emma Wiederhoeft from Incarnate Word Academy ... Maddie Smith from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart ... Madeline Simpson and Emma Stavinoha from SAA.

St. Thomas is proud to have you all a part of our annual Homecoming celebration!

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FIGHT Eagle Football Deep Resilience to Weather the Storm......................... p36 Head Coaching Additions for Eagle Golf & Eagle Wrestling....... p41

Cross Country TAPPS State Championships, p40

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FIGHT

DEEP RESILIENCE To Weather The Storm

36 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

E

agle Football navigated a turbulent season with a reloaded roster minus the proven performance and experienced depth that served at the vanguard for 40 wins and four consecutive district titles once Tim Fitzpatrick was promoted to head coach in 2012.

A large dose of resolve was required for the emphatic rebound to end 2016 with an unaccustomed 5-6 record.

The Eagles recovered from a treacherous early season schedule against a blue chip crucible of opponents who combined to win 21 of 23 games through the first six weeks of the season.

St. Thomas reset with four consecutive wins, two by shutout, earned a second-place finish in TAPPS 5A District 3 and secured Granger Stadium for their opening playoff game for the sixth straight season.

But the considerable development that surfaced throughout the midseason renaissance coupled with the former bulletproof Hotze home advantage where the Eagles had won 28 of their previous 30 games wasn’t enough to ignite another deep run through the TAPPS playoffs.

“Our young guys were forced to step up throughout the season ... went to war (starting) eight sophomores,” head coach Tim Fitzpatrick said. “They’ll benefit and the program will benefit from all the valuable experience they gained, just not right now. The return on the investment comes down the road. I feel badly for how the season ended for our seniors who remained positive through the rough start and helped us gain more of a competitive edge. They led a really young group into the playoffs.”

For the fifth straight year the Eagles entered a stare down with St. Pius X in the regular-season finale to claim the district title. After dominating the previous two matchups by a combined score of 87-33 and the last four encounters

by 144-76, the high stakes winner-take-all verdict failed to swing the Eagles way.

Quarterback Peyton Matocha ’19 tag-teamed with receiver Daniel Perkins ‘17 for two touchdowns in the final 90 seconds of the first half to forge a 14-14 tie but Eagle Football couldn’t maintain the mojo and relinquished its four-year grip on the crown after its first district defeat in 22 games.

In the closing seconds before halftime Matocha (18of-33, 218 yards) dialed up Perkins (4 catches for 113 yards) in the left corner of the end zone for a 27-yard score to cap an 81-yard drive that took only 48 ticks off the clock.

St. Pius quickly answered out of the recess with two touchdown strikes in its first five plays covering 46 and 76 yards for a commanding 28-14 lead that morphed into a 35-21 final.

The following week Eagle Football absorbed its earliest playoff elimination since 2010 after three appearances in the TAPPS state semifinals in five seasons.

Yet the program takes great pride in focusing direct aim on regaining traction and reestablishing its position as state championship contenders, understanding that attacking adversity is what reveals true character.

The immediate priorities are addressing coverage flaws, inefficiency on third down and in the red zone, and being committed to the improvement process this summer.

Champions are made when the stands are empty.

“I told the kids to remember the feeling,” Fitzpatrick said.

“When you are sacrificing in the spring and summer, when you pushing yourself and your teammates hard to improve, remember the empty feeling leaving (the season). We’ll build on this experience. We’re all in it together ... a family.”

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 37

Eagle

FIGHT

CONTINUED

GAME ONE

GAME SIX

GAME SEVEN

Hotze Field Inside Granger Stadium

Pasadena Memorial Stadium

Hotze Field Inside Granger Stadium

Next Matocha (10-15 for 167 yards) floated a screen pass to running back Jaylen Davis ‘19 (154 all-purpose yards) who weaved through the next level of defenders for a 48-yard catchand-run score to give the Eagles the lead for good at 13-10.

Then with eighteen seconds remaining before halftime Matocha spotted wide receiver Daniel Perkins ’17 (3 catches for 75 yards) isolated in single coverage up the right sideline for a 24-yard touchdown and a 20-10 advantage.

38 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

The much needed tonic to a struggling start for Eagle Football was as obvious as it was elusive during a frustrating September stretch.

The runaway rout proved to be a season-turning victory creating momentum and a belief that there was still much to be accomplished during the second half of the St. Thomas season.

Linebacker Michael Gentempo ’17 triggered a 23-point opening period with a fumble return touchdown followed by a pair of breakaway scoring runs from Ian Wheeler ‘19 and fullback Seth Dietz ‘19.

The shutout was the sixth under Fitzpatrick, the largest margin after blanking Beaumont Monsignor Kelly Catholic 49-0 in 2014 and Tomball Concordia Lutheran by that same score in 2015.

San Antonio Central Catholic 13 Eagles 40 Davis tallied two first-half touchdowns and Matocha registered two more as the Eagles jumped to a 21-0 cushion and cruised for their second consecutive win, raising the season record to 3-4.

Eagle Football piled up points on four of its first five possessions. Davis (12 carries for 55 yards) found the end zone twice from short range, sandwiched around a six-yard fourth-down Matocha (1424 for 196 yards) touchdown laser to Melvin Larkins ’18 and the outcome was never in doubt over the game’s final 30 minutes.

......................................................................................................................................................................

Quarterback Peyton Matocha ’19 crashed in through the left side for the first points of the season and the first of three unanswered touchdowns in the final six minutes of the second period.

Pasadena 0 Eagles 51

......................................................................................................................................................................

The Eagles trailed 10-0 in the first half then seized control of the game with 27 straight points behind a fresh core of game-breaking threats to secure their 27th straight win at home and their fifth consecutive season-opening victory.

......................................................................................................................................................................

The Kinkaid School 20 Eagles 27

GAME EIGHT

GAME NINE

Bulldog Stadium Beaumont

Crusader Stadium Tomball

Matocha racked four touchdown passes during a firsthalf avalanche of points, two to Perkins, as Eagle Football scored on its first six possessions and opened defense of its four-year district championship with an uncontested shutout.

Davis put the Eagles in control from the start, finishing the first two series with touchdowns.

Matocha kept the opening drive alive with a leaping 10-yard designed keeper on fourthand-five to the Kelly five-yard line, then later tossed for a pair scores in a seven play stretch.

Wheeler added a short-range touchdown burst for a 35-0 count and the outcome was determined before halftime.

Three consecutive victories by a combined score of 140-13 evened the season record to 4-4 and pushed the district victory streak to 20 straight since 2012.

......................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................................

Eagles 49 Monsignor Kelly Catholic 0

Eagles 27 Tomball Concordia Lutheran 7 Matocha threw for one touchdown and ran for another, while Davis and Wheeler combined for two more scores plus 178 yards rushing, as the Eagles slam danced their way to a fourth straight win and their 21st consecutive district victory.

Midway second period Matocha (13-17 for 163 yards) orchestrated a crisp six-play scoring series, hitting on three straight completions worth seven, eight and 19 yards before Wheeler (11 carries-51 yards) crashed in for a four-yard touchdown for 13-0.

Two possessions and one play after the Eagles were backed to the brink of the TCL end zone, Davis (14 carries-127 yards) bolted lose through the defensive second level and raced untouched into the Crusader secondary until he was brought down from behind inside the TCL 10-yard line after an 84yard jaunt. Three plays later Davis finished what he started, muscling in for a touchdown to complete a 99-yard drive for a smothering 20-0 advantage.

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 39

Eagle

Eagle

FIGHT

FIGHT

K

rzysztof Kwiatkowski ’17 raced to a third-place individual result with one of top finishes in St. Thomas history to pace Eagle Cross Country to third place at the TAPPS 6A State Cross Country Championships in Waco.

The top-five STH times earned 103 points, ahead of Awty International (5th), St. Pius X (7th) and St. John XXIII (12th).

Kwiatkowski was clocked at 16:38.0, earning all-state distinction with a top-10 finish, as well as academic allstate recognition given his GPA of 90 or above.

Matthew Coughlin ’17 (17:00.6) placed 11th overall, followed by Lars Koehn ’17 (17:40.9 28th), Juan Vasquez ’18 (17:41.7 29th) and Blazek Skucius ’20 (17:48.2 32nd).

“This is an outstanding accomplishment and makes all the early mornings, long runs and sacrifices worth while,” head coach Nathan Labus said. “Amazing overall performance and great testament that hard work pays off.

I’m very proud of how we responded with a team effort to cap the season after capturing the district title and our junior varisty taking the TAPPS / SPC JV championship.”

40 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

TWO HEAD COACHING ADDITIONS Figure to Produce Immediate Results For Eagle Athletics

P

hillip Joseph brings a deep savvy and rich experience to Eagle Wrestling, rooted in a near-lifetime in the sport, creating his own distinctive wrestling identity while contributing heavily to a family legacy which includes his father, uncles and brothers.

Joseph’s acclaimed career at Eastern Michigan left him in the school’s top-10 list for wins, performing in both the 174 and 184 pound classes. He overcame an ACL knee injury which wiped out his true sophomore season to place three times at the MidAmerican Conference Championships and added victories at the NCAA Championships, while competing for Derek DelPorto who became the winningest coach in EMU wrestling history.

Joseph enjoyed a standout high school stay at Lapeer East (Michigan) where he racked a 202-18 record which included a perfect 64-0 campaign his senior season.

“I owe so much of what I’ve gained from the sport from my dad,” Joseph said. “He taught me so much growing up and then moving into the elite levels. This is a sport you have to fall in love with. It has to become a passion because unless you invest that deeply, you cannot see the results. I knew I wanted to give back because of the impact the sport has had on my life.”

Joseph was attracted to the Eagle coaching position as much by the St. Thomas reputation for molding the complete student

Eagle Golf is now under the full command of Paul Hamm who expects a seamless transition after serving as a valuable assistant during Billy Tuten’s final season.

“I got close to the group and felt like I needed and wanted to continue,” Hamm said. “Billy and I share many of the same management and motivational philosophies. Many of our players are not going to continue playing at the college level. I’m not that interested in what their golf scores will be when they’re 30-35 years old but I am very much interested in what kind of husbands and fathers and people they will be. I will stand for each and every player in our program. I will have their back.

But there are rules and there will be order and direction.”

Hamm owns an extensive golfing background and coaching experience, including more than a decade as an individual baseball skill instructor at The Farm League. He carries a four handicap after playing competitive golf for more than 40 years.

“My Walter Mitty adventure was a Monday qualifier for the Houston Open. Shot 76 at Cypresswood Golf Club ... which I was immensely proud of,” Hamm said with a noticeable smile.

“Eight-nine shots shy of getting into the field but that was never the objective. A day I’ll never forget.”

Hamm inherits a group minus seven seniors from 2016 including two of the top players in the state in Henry Fisher ’16 and Curtis Brady ’16.

as the prospect of stamping his own mark on what has developed into one of the recent powerhouse programs in the state.

“I don’t see wrestling as a journey to success,” Joseph said. “I see wrestling has playing a role in the success journey. Every single day is a success or not, in and of itself, not just in the wrestling room. It’s academics, your family life, your spiritual life, your social life. That’s our approach ... encompass the whole ... be the absolutely very best in every single thing we do every day. If you only focus on the sport, you can only get so far.”

Joseph understands what he faces in following in the sizable footprint left by Tim Clarkson, who in four years as head coach produced a string of championship success, including three TAPPS 5A state titles (2011-13), consecutive Texas State Prep and Prep State Dual crowns (2012-13) while producing 21 state champions and 43 national qualifiers.

Huggins projects as a charging talent. Liam Sullivan ‘19 already owns 23 career wins and Bryant another 22.

“The dedication of this group has already made an impression,” Joseph said. “These guys were all putting in the work before I was hired ... holding each other accountable every afternoon waiting out the process. That says a lot about their leadership. A see a sense of family and that’s what I expect.”

“What’s really exciting is that we have a chance for so many players to step up this year at a really good time in their careers,” Hamm said. “One of the things that Billy did that I admired and will continue to do is have some junior varsity guys come up and play some varsity events. That experience is immensely valuable.”

Suman has been a rising talent within and outside the program since his freshman year and remains the lone proven performer returning to anchor the upcoming season.

“Henry is one of the very top players in TAPPS and one of the best players in Texas,” Hamm said. “He’s in a great position to step up and pay back as a leader the way Travis Martin, Clay McCrory, Ryan Baker, Henry Fisher and Curtis Brady led the way for him. I’m confident he’ll thrive in that role.”

Andrei Bax ’19, Andrew Leyendecker ’18 and Wayne Wickman ’18 are among those positioned to emerge as Hamm reloads the roster, along with his son Zach who takes a large dose of confidence into the fall after claiming a pair of South Texas PGA victories during the summer.

“As a junior that puts him in pretty good shape. Same for Wayne who is really coming on strong,” Hamm said. “There’s nothing like tournament golf to sharpen the skill. Shooting in the 70s is what we have to have. A number of guys are starting to develop. My goal is to get us back to the state tournament and see what might happen. It’s going to be a fun year.”

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 41

Eagle

PRIDE

Cameron Blackwood ’12 Cookin’ with RCSmoke ‘em............................ p46 Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Services Awards....................... p48

1966 Eagle Football State Champions, p50 42 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

THE PRACTICE OF

PATIENCE IN PURSUIT

R

oss McLauchlan ‘07 preaches a personal credo, casual in nature yet proving profoundly powerful.

“The quickest way in the world to make friends is to have a soccer ball and a bottle of wine,” he says.

“There’s nothing better to bring people together, to break down cultural or language barriers.”

And whether karma or cosmic convergence, McLauchlan has seen his driving belief parlay into a penetrating upstart presence in the robust Lone Star wine scene.

“I see Austin as more a Barcelona than a Madrid ... communal gatherings ... casual but high food IQ ... quality focus and locally sensitive. We were confident that if we could be in lockstep with this community in terms of culture and cuisine, we would be well received and positioned.”

And after a slight pause, McLauchlan nods to the inherent challenges still to be fully conquered.

“That being said, if it were easy, someone would have already done this.”

McLauchlan is president and CEO of The Austin Winery, due in no small part to a chance meeting on the city’s adult futbol fields, later forming a tight bold-but-not-brash inner circle who share a passion united in a common cause.

In the shadows of the glitzy wine trail in the Hill Country, McLauchlan and his team of new-age vintners are injecting an edgier, less insular approach, in stark contrast to the swirl-and-sniff crowd, and narrowing a perceived gap in their local market.

“We want our identity to be artisanal and accessible in the urban setting, more Old World, scrubbing that structure of intimidation, stripping away the white table cloth,” McLauchlan says.

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 43

Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

CONTINUED

McLauchlan could testify to a pursuit emphatically tested by patience well before his cap and gown exit from St. Thomas.

He readily rattles the staying power of his Eagle experience which instilled integrity, accountability and active citizenship with a compassion for social justice, all buttressed

by Catholic values and the Basilian virtues of goodness, discipline and knowledge.

McLauchlan most vividly recalls spirited classroom discussions with a gregarious math and theology faculty member. In short time, Fr. Kevin Storey, CSB would ascend to succeed Fr. Ronald Schwenzer, CSB and become the second president in the school’s now 116-year history.

“Fr. Storey brought a particular flair to his instruction,” McLauchlan remembers. “He would revisit his experiences traveling throughout the world ... almost adventures ... a cool all-action kind of guy. His enthusiasm was contagious and brought about lively discussions as we explored wideranging topics ... spirituality and morality issues. He facilitated meaningful debate and inner-reflective exploration. His talks serve me to this day.”

And McLauchlan is also forever affected by a far more harrowing high school encounter.

Weeks away from beginning his junior academic year, an otherwise anonymous July afternoon suddenly turned nightmarish by an automobile accident off an Interstate 10 frontage lane.

The collision force of impact ejected McLauchlan from the car which quickly rolled on top of him. Two passengers and a good samaritan quickly reacted and lifted the wreckage just enough to allow McLauchlan to escape. He was life-flighted to the Memorial Hermann Trauma Center where he remained for six weeks before emerging

40 44 - Eagles’ Nest SWpring inter 2016 2016

from the critical care zone.

with an emphasis in nutrition and film.

Next, McLauchlan faced an arduous three months of physical and occupational therapy sessions, largely confined to a wheelchair and unable to assume even an abbreviated class schedule until late into the fall semester.

The seemingly random cluster of curriculum included a study abroad exchange program which allowed for an impactful introduction to bustling Barcelona and one of the grand wine destinations in the world.

Most lasting from the horrific sequence was “the great grace and commitment from the St. Thomas community,” McLauchlan says.

“The faculty allowed me in good faith to keep up with my studies, afforded me the necessary time for make-ups. I was able to stay with my class and not worry about the pressure of summer school and not graduating on time. Mr. (Steven) Fuchs (now a math specialist in the Learning Commons) in particular provided so much personal guidance through coursework and exams. I couldn’t have stayed on pace otherwise.”

McLauchlan eventually returned to fulltime academic status in the spring of 2006 in what would extend into a near two-year road to full physical recovery.

“But in many ways, I was so blessed to have so many friends and concerned supporters,” McLauchlan says. “And now, I try to pay that same spirit forward, keeping in mind the value of patience in how I communicate and relate to my friends, business associates, or those whom I’ve just met.”

Texas viticulture dates to the 1660s and has never enjoyed more demand for locally produced wine, spiking at more than a million cases produced annually.

McLauchlan could not have charted a less likely course into the state’s grape growing and winemaking renaissance.

Within weeks of his St. Thomas commencement McLauchlan was an early entry freshmen at the University of Texas at Austin, eventually earning a liberal arts degree combining politics, foreign languages and culture,

Next, the fortuitous friendship made through Austin Men’s Soccer Association.

Cooper Anderson had recently graduated from Hampden-Sydney University in Virginia and relocated to Texas with specific designs on breaking into the wine industry.

Exchanging weekend pleasantries in and around corner kicks eventually led to Anderson arranging an entry position for McLauchlan at nearby Driftwood Estate Winery and Vineyards in its cellar and tasting rooms.

McLauchlan left the UT campus with a bevy of personal tales but without a direct and definitive career pathway. Trusting that the dots would somehow connect, he developed a relationship with a wine broker who represented a number of family winery operations to national accounts such as Four Seasons, Ruth’s Chris, McCormick & Schmick’s, becoming a liaison between their buyers and producers in California, Oregon and Spain.

McLauchlan was a self-described “sponge” while orchestrating excursions to production zones, absorbing “diverse techniques plus marketing and sales angles” while tapping into his inner Karate Kid for a series of “wax on, wax off” tutorials.

All the while Anderson navigated the opposite ends of the industry where the innate talents of a chemistry professor’s son began to surface as a lead winemaker.

“We experimented with some wine blends, settled on product we believed in, sampled to well respected contacts within the industry and received some really encour-

aging feedback,” McLauchlan says. “That convinced us to move forward.”

McLauchlan, Anderson, along with fellow Austin Winery co-founder Matthew Smith and assistant winemaker Travis Elliott, waited out the lengthy federal bonding certification process necessary for compliance by immersing in advanced enology courses through extension at Washington State University. The deep dive ranged from biological systems engineering and molecular plant science ... to crop and soil sciences ... to management and entrepreneurship ... all practical applications to the real world transition.

No advanced academia was required to determine that quality grapes cannot be grown just anywhere. And what triggered McLauchlan to accelerate with enthusiasm and confidence was the realization that not all winemakers own all their vineyards.

“The immediate barrier to entry in this industry is rather simple ... access to hundreds of farming acres,” McLauchlan says.

“Ownership is completely out of reach. But we discovered that less than 10% of winemaking comes from one grape grower who is also the winemaker who also provides the sales and distribution. Growers are often specialized, those who are not winemakers and not salesmen.”

The Austin Winery debuted in 2014, sourcing grapes from Texas and other prominent wine regions, harvested and delivered still on the stem, and then macerated, churned, aged and stored to desired specifications.

“We commission with nine growers across four states ... found some good matches where we have some vineyard input,” McLauchlan says. “We’re then able to focus on production and sales, showcasing what is best available from Texas and also recognizing the strengths of other regions.

As we continue to collaborate with Texas growers and our resources increase, we’ll produce more proportionately Texas wines.

But we would be remiss to disregard or ignore valuable relationships we already enjoy in Oregon and California.”

While Austin Winery may be missing a signature terroir, the unique fingerprint of sunshine and soil that creates truly distinctive flavor, McLauchlan and his team are crafting consistently balanced and bright reds and whites well suited for assertive food and the progressive tastes of millennials well outside the traditional King Cab comfort zone.

One critical capital kickstart that McLauchlan is not hesitant to acknowledge is an inheritance through his mother’s passing in 2011 after a courageous fight with Mesothelioma.

“In many ways this venture honors her legacy,” McLauchlan says. “Her blood is New York Italian. She was an advocate for creating passions and pursuing dreams. I cannot believe in a better investment that would pay tribute to her beliefs and ideals.

“That said, the stars are never going to perfectly aligned for you. Logic often suggests you need more experience, more money, more optimal circumstances.

Ambitious and reckless is the tightrope you have to balance but there comes a time when you just have to strike.”

McLauchlan embraces an under-commit / over-deliver microstep strategy in growing Austin Winery, which has so far leveraged favorable financial results versus an against-stiff-odds stack.

An ethic grounded in grit coupled with a gut-burn to be great resulted in breakthrough accounts with Whole Foods and Central Market, as well as Houston’s Local Foods, an expanding gourmet sandwich

concept offering local edibles and seasonal salads and soups.

The next anticipated advance for McLauchlan is moving the corporate base from the outer reaches of U.S. Highway 290 and Interstate 35 to a revitalized warehouse district in South Austin minutes from downtown.

The new location in The Yard commercial development off South Congress Avenue and St. Elmo Road sits beside the historic Missouri Pacific rail yard and will include a 4,800 square foot bottom level featuring a tasting area and barrel room.

The expansion will enable Austin Winery to increase production from the current 2,500 cases per year to 25,000 over a five-year growth, and also provide a wide variety of on-site destination opportunities to better engage consumers, whether tours, nightly gatherings, special event bookings, or small lot / early release offerings.

The chaotic terroir-expressive twists figure to continue as McLauchlan motors ahead. While constantly striving for the combination of dynamic and really delicious, he carries a savvy beyond his years, a pragmatic dose of “detachment from outcome” which provides a calming equilibrium.

“We all have value in who we are and what we represent as a person,” McLauchlan says. “Yet there’s always a temptation to want to see our successes as an ornament of who we are to the world. Sometimes our best efforts don’t generate the best results and a fear of failure can creep in and undermine. I try to focus on avoiding the dramatic highs and lows, swings when your judgement can become clouded. Stay even, stay the course, and good things usually happen, even though sometimes not as quickly as we would want.”

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 45

Eagles’ Nest

FEATURE

G

rowing up in Houston, Cameron Blackwood ’12 had long been indoctrinated in the treasured lore of Midnight Yell and the legend of the 12th Man.

heat, and techniques would work best. It’s nearly $50 in wood just to get the pit hot. But we had a passion to be successful so we didn’t think twice about the time or the dollar investment.”

But he needed only a few weeks as a freshman on the Texas A&M campus to begin carving out his own Aggie identity.

BLACKWOOD ’12

Blackwood is now waiting out a trademark which salutes the winningest football coach in program history and architect of the famed Wrecking Crew defense. And, yes, R.C. Slocum is known to visit Blackwood’s camp among the West Campus convoy of Aggie tailgaters.

R.C. SMOKE’EM

“When you see the response ... 150-250 people for a home football game ... that’s a huge payoff,” Blackwood says. “It’s about providing an atmosphere where anyone can come and enjoy themselves.”

In the frantic fall of 2012 when Manziel Mania was powering A&M’s slam-dance debut into SEC football, Blackwood and his tag-team partner Austin Payne began a meager tailgating presence that would morph into much more than they could have ambitiously imagined.

cookin’ with

From a modest pop up tent surrounding a Weber grill ... to a donated trailer ... to a Craig’s List smoker propped by twin propane tanks ... to an expanded flatbed soon to include a second story party viewing deck ... to associations with Karbach Brewery and Rebecca Creek Whiskey ... to multiple HEB Tailgate of the Game distinctions and third place in the 2014 Tailgate of the Year ... R.C. Smoke’em has emerged favorably from a food-centric scene of fandom littered with deeppocket sponsors and non-profit partners.

“You have to start humble,” Blackwood says.

“At the beginning we could figure out what we needed to do while knowing we didn’t know what we were doing. The plan was create the facility and develop a profile. And really it was all about repetition. We would spend $100 on brisket during the week just to experiment with what rubs,

Dennis McMillin was an early tailgating neighbor of Blackwood who captured an immediate appreciation for a “jambalaya and smoked rice that are absolutely the best anywhere. Stunning.”

McMillin was hosting pregame gatherings for guests and clients for Blackstone Handcrafted Homes but quickly acknowledged the benefits of collaborating with Blackwood.

“Cameron is a much better cook than I am,” McMillin says. “But my biggest takeaway is seeing his rare leadership qualities. He simply understands how to deliver great product and great times for friends and family. Whatever he decides to do in life, he will be enormously successful. I’m really proud to be a part of all this.”

Blackwood and Payne have routinely measured their talents on the road, making the rounds through the SEC carnival of consumption where food matters as much as who wins, tailgates from Tuscaloosa to Baton Rouge to the shadows of the

Blackwood (middle) at 2016 Thanksgiving tailgate

46 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

Jerry Jones Taj Majal for A&M’s annual neutral site bash with Arkansas.

Regardless of the setting, Blackwood insists an “open-arms” approach is what sparks a curiosity and consistently brings people back.

“You stand outside long enough and someone will say ‘Hey, have something to eat,” Blackwood says. “For the (seasonopening) UCLA game this year, we had more Bruins fans on our roof than Aggies.

We just want people to have fun, enjoy College Station and our tailgate as much as we do.”

Premium success comes with a price, a working holiday for Blackwood and crew for the Aggies final Thanksgiving night encounter, demanding a Wednesday 6:00 a.m. first call to stake their customary spot on John Kimbrough Blvd. north of Reed Arena.

“For six hours it’s basically watching grass grow,” Blackwood says. “At noon the horn sounds and we rope off our area. Then it’s back to the house to cook sides for the next 10 hours ... stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes ... pan it ... and into the deep freeze ... just working that cycle.

We’re up 5:30 a.m. Thanksgiving day to get everything back to room temperature ... load the trailer ... get to the site around 9:00 a.m. ... start the fire ... smoke a half dozen turkeys for 4-5 hours ... carve them ... serve around two hours before kickoff.”

The quiet commons from the day before became a densely packed mass of

humanity. For five dollars Blackwood dished a heaping plate, poured a select beverage of choice and offered covered seating within prime proximity to flat screen football coverage.

The due diligence to detail and appreciation for creative camaraderie is in many ways a lesson instilled from Blackwood’s Eagle experience.

“Some may say the ethic and brotherhood is cliche but I’ve learned it’s never overvalued,” Blackwood says. “That bond with classmates, teammates, faculty members is just as strong for me today as it was when I was a student. I can contact (Fine Arts Dean) Mr. (Mike) Nebel any day and we’ll talk for two hours, sharing what going on in our lives.”

Blackwood was a complimentary linebacker and left fielder in Eagle Athletics, earning the 2012 Bryan Selby Award for heart, spirit and commitment to Eagle Baseball.

He contributed to consecutive state championship teams guided by Astros icon Craig Biggio in 2010 and 2011 when Blackwood was struck “not by the Hall of Fame player but by the person.”

Biggio summoned Blackwood to pinch hit in the late innings against Houston Christian on Senior Night, his final plate appearance at Fr. Wilson Field. Younger brother Chris ’13 was in charge of the game’s walk-up music and unsuspectingly traded out Cameron’s Johnny Cash tune Daddy Sang Bass

... for ABBA’s disco days Dancing Queen.

“I came up to the batter’s box and their catcher looks up at me and says ‘Really?,’” Blackwood laughs. “I had no idea what was going on.”

“We had a big lead, bases loaded, first pitch, hammered, over the wall, grand slam home run to end the game. That’s my walk off moment, the best senior story anyone could ask for. And it all started with Dancing Queen.”

Blackwood will graduate from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics, secure with a future position with Byrne Metals which specializes in the fabrication and installation of metal wall and roof systems.

“I’ll move our trailer down to Humble and on Saturdays next fall we’ll roll into College Station for game day,” Blackwood says. “Business as usual.”

All grounded in an utterly unexpected yet immensely rewarding undergraduate venture which in many ways is rooted in the Basilian virtues Blackwood has learned to trust and value.

“The way you treat people matters,” Blackwood says. “It’s what my parents taught me, what St. Thomas taught me.

And when you see that positive response first hand, that is great reinforcement.

That’s how we built our brand, through friendships and relationships. And that’s what so far has meant the most to me.”

McMillin (middle) at 2016 Thanksgiving tailgate

Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 47

Eagle

PRIDE

The 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award

... to Hugh Rafferty ’42, inducted into St. Thomas Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the historic 1939 undefeated Eagle Football team, proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame and forever brother in the Eagle community who took an active involvement in a number of ministries, particularly Casa Juan Diego.

“Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge. God, Country and Notre Dame. God blessed me with the health to be able to live up to the standards and values engendered in those two mottos.”

Presented by Alumni Association president Tony Hill ’91.

.................................................................................................................

The 2016 Distinguished Service Award

2016 Distinguished Service Award ... to director of operations Sergio Plata for his invaluable contributions and selfless devotion to St. Thomas, lending his talents and infectious personality to a wide variety of Eagles events, grand and small in scale, and maintaing a campus which is the envy of college preparatory instituions in Texas and beyond.

Among the overwhelming responses posted on Facebook to Sergio’s recognition ... n

There is nobody more deserving of this award! I was a STH mom for seven years and chaired three (major) events and this man ALWAYS had our back.

n

Your dedication is amazing. Always caring, nice and willing to go out of your way to help others.

n

So wonderful to see this dear man recognized for his heart and tireless efforts for St Thomas. His accommodating attitude and warm, welcoming smile made it a pleasure to volunteer. We’ve got nothing but love for you, Sergio!

n

I am proud to call this man a dear friend - well deserved - felicidades querido te lo mereces!

n

Congratulations! This is only our 2nd year at STH but figured out year one just how much a part of STH you are.

n

Sergio, you are a servant-leader! Well deserved! Congratulations!

n

Sergio, your contributions to St. Thomas cannot be measured. Congratulations and thanks!

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Before the regular-season Eagle Football finale with St. Pius X, St. Thomas paid tribute to the family of beloved Eagle Frankie B. Mandola ’65 with a throw-back Mandola number 73 jersey.

Son Johnny Mandola ’94 and his triplet boys were then brought to midfield for the pregame coin toss.

Long known for his gregarious and authentic personality, the co-owner of Damian’s Cucina Italiana and Frankie B. Mandola’s Catering first distinguished himself as an Eagle state champion

and high school All-American student-athlete later to be inducted in the STH Sports Hall of Fame.

Mandola packed his two-sport talents for Rice University and later rose as a pillar among the first families of Houston food.

Eagle Football proudly wore a specially designed helmet sticker throughout the season to honor a genuine Eagle ambassador and famed Houston restaurateur who passed away in July 2016, but whose spirit will provide an eternal presence within the extended St. Thomas community.

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t halftime of the regular-season finale with St. Pius X, the 1966 state champion Eagles were recognized as part of their 50th anniversary reunion.

Head coach Joe McDonald and lead assistant Burr Davis guided Eagle Football to an 8-3-1 record that season, including a dominant 37-point shutout over SPX. In the TCIL playoffs St. Thomas squeezed a tight 7-6 victory over Dallas Jesuit and then defeated Waco Reicher Catholic 17-7 in the state title game, the third straight crown in the midst of eight state championships from 1964-73.

Sixteen of the 36 student-athletes received athletic scholarships to NCAA Division I schools including the University of Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Nebraska, Rice, SMU, Texas-El Paso and the University of Utah. Five members of the championship unit have been inducted into the prestigious St.Thomas Sports Hall of Fame.

Success continued for those 1966 state champions, civic and community leaders who achieved professional acclaim as attorneys, physicians, engineers and certified public accountants … a gifted high school debate coach, county commissioner, real estate broker and commercial developer … two distinguished patriarchal restaurateurs, a horse trainer, as well as many sales executives and business owners.

Eagle Fight Never Dies!

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father of 10 children, ages preschool to postgraduate, is rarely in search of fresh challenges when there is precious personal and professional downtime in the dusk-to-dawn demands of the day-to-day world.

John Rocha ’89 is proving himself the exception by any variety of definitions and an elite manager beyond compare.

In August he was appointed as the founding president and principal of Ozark Catholic Academy, the first-ever Catholic high school in northwest Arkansas, a grassroots work in progress for more than two decades.

Rocha is currently leading the charge as a “one-man show.”

“I’m forming the board of directors ... raising $500,000 by December ... hiring an assistant headmaster to help me recruit students for when we open in the fall of 2018. (slight pause) “And we’re looking for $3-5 million from donors over the next 18 months to buy land and build buildings.”

Rocha wasn’t on the outlook to relocate from Houston where he has maintained a visible profile and steady influence in the ranks of Catholic education for more than twenty years. But the pull to establish a school’s mission, vision and philosophy from ground zero proved far more forceful than mere intrigue.

“I feel like I’m called,” Rocha said. “I’m a teacher first and foremost and I hope to take my understanding of Catholic education, particularly what I learned here at St.Thomas, and share it with a new community in the Ozarks. My instructors here truly instilled in me what it takes to become a young man. Now my goal is to assemble the same kind of mentors and duplicate a similar experience in Arkansas.”

Ozark Catholic has been approved to align itself with the Diocese of Little Rock but will not be financially supported.

Rocha knows the daunting drill, helping found a comparable independent institution in Houston at all-boys Western Academy where he served as the director of development since 2009. During his tenure Rocha implemented capital campaign initiatives and raised nearly $10 million, while assembling a faculty and staff, and managing daily operations and communications at the school.

“I said two years into that experience at Western that I would never do it again,” Rocha laughed. “And yet, seven years later here I am, doing it again. I have the background that very few candidates have, I can apply that into our startup.”

Rocha packs a wealth of extensive Catholic school experience for his next opportunity, including responsibilities in lower, middle and high schools, while also serving as an adjunct professor of literature at the University of St. Thomas.

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Living the principals of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.

United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gatlin ’95 was named to 2016-17 White House Fellows, one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service, reserved for select individuals who typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House staff, Cabinet Secretaries and other top-ranking government officials.

Lt. Colonel Gatlin owns 17 years of experience in the integration and synchronization of combat arms operations and has steadily risen through the ranks of command since receiving his Bachelor of Science in Economics from West Point in 1999, serving as Battery Executive Officer, Field Artillery Battery Commander, Company and Battalion Tactical Officer and Battalion Executive Officer.

As a commander, Lt. Colonel Gatlin conducted operations in support of the Army’s counter-terrorism operations in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom and his awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Lt. Colonel Gatlin also received his Masters in Social Organizational Psychology and Leadership from Columbia University in 2010.

Dan Persha ’75, Fr. Tom Rafferty ’75 and Mike Hensley ’75 recently teamed for a retreat at Coffield Prison Unit near Palestine, Texas.

“The Kolbe Retreat is an initiative of Catholic men to reach out to those incarcerated and invite them to a closer relationship with Christ,” said Fr. Rafferty, the pastor at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in the The Woodlands.

“I was able to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with many Catholic men and provide spiritual advice to some who were non-Catholics. My hope for all of them was to experience God’s mercy and encourage them to walk daily with Jesus. I was touched to be able to share this ministry with two of my Eagle classmates. I am proud that our St. Thomas alumni are having a significant impact on our community.”

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Tremendous turnout to our latest alumni gathering at St. Arnold’s Brewery with graduates of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, St. Pius X, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Incarnate Word Academy and St. Agnes Academy.

Contact alumni relations director Sebastian Domenech ’10 at Sebastian.Domenech@sths.org for our upcoming activities.

We want to see you next time!

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IN MEMORIAM Neil B. Balsam ’50, brother of Ronald M. ’45, uncle of William E. ’73, Laurence J. ’76 and James G. ’78 Balsam, October 3, 2016 Mary Bartniski, mother of Holy Rosary Catholic Church Pastor Fr. William D. ’54, Edward L. ’57 and Michael J. Bartniski ’67, grandmother of Mark E. Bartniski ’83, July 11, 2016

=

Please let the Alumni Office know if an alumnus has passed away.

Call 713-864-6348 x150, fax 713-864-6402, or email alumni@sths.org.

James J. Carrigan, father of Jim ’69, Greg ’70, John Carrigan ’71, grandfather of Wade ’94 and David Simoneaux ’97, July 12, 2016 Maria M. Castillo, mother of Paul Castillo ’77, September 29, 2016 Frank J. Cejka ’55, July 21, 2016

Courtney Bax Lasater, daughter of Joseph Bax ’66, October 18, 2016 Joseph D. Becker ’60, brother of Robert ‘54, Don ‘58 and James ‘65, uncle to Daniel ‘96 and Jimmy ‘98, February 4, 2016 Brian T. Borski ’07, November 9, 2016

Anna Mae Consoli, mother of Paul J. Consoli ’81, October 18, 2016 Lena M. Dichero, mother of Joseph A. Dichero ’68, July 14, 2016 Renetta E. Etter, mother of Leon Etter ’74, September 29, 2016 Roland A. Garidel ’56, June 29, 2016

Patrick A. Green ’62, father of Timothy P. ’94, Andrew T. ’96 and Kevin M. Green ’02, brother of Joseph M. ’59, Thomas F. III ’59, Michael R. ’67 and John S. Green ’68, uncle of faculty member Dan Green, Ben Hall ’98, David Hall ’00, Phillip Rife ’00, Brian Sauer ’94, Eddie Young Jr. ’92, July 12, 2016 Dorothy H. Hatten, wife of judge William M. Hatten Sr. ’31, mother of William M. Jr. ’69 and Ricci P. Hatten ’72, July 20, 2016 Edmund L. Hines ’43, father of Daniel L. ’74, brother of Mederic M. ’36 and Philip A. Hines ’41, July 3, 2016 Joseph S. Jett ’57, June 4, 2016

Virginia Bova, wife of Samuel L. Bova ’47, April 14, 1933 Gloria G. Boyle, husband of John M. Boyle ’50, July 4, 2016 Philip J. Burguieres, father of P. Martial ’96, June 30, 2016 Lewis E. Bush, father of Louis Bush ’83, July 23, 2016 Richard W. Cabler ’54, March 27, 2016

54 - Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016

Thomas C. Gibbons ’65, brother of Joseph M. Gibbons ‘58, October 20, 2016 Mary Francis Debaillon Granger, wife of renown St. Thomas benefactor Weldon Granger whose leadership contribution led to the naming of Granger Stadium on the STH campus, mother of John W. ’97 and Jason W. Granger 2000, August 3, 2016. Noted for tireless and dedicated volunteerism, particularly her efforts with the Bridges to Life program founded by John Sage ’66.

Valerie M. Koh, wife of Edmund S. Koh ’67, July 2016 Marjorie K. Large, mother of John Large ’80, February 11, 2016 John T. Lott ’68, brother of Frank S. Lott ’58, July 2, 2016

TODAY Michael S. Norman ’62, August 23, 2016

Take car to m e Go to 10 a.m. M

chanic

D appt.

Luis L. Ordaz, father of Juan Carlos Ordaz ’97, July 29, 2016

Remember St. Thomas

Lewis W. Owen ’52, July 28, 2016 John B. Pallasch, father of Hunter Pallasch ’13, July 7, 2016 Eugene J. Scherer ’50, May 6, 2016 Marcus J. Sofka ’58, brother of Paul D. Sofka ’56, October 6, 2016

Eugene A. Stachowiak ’45, October 6, 2016 Nelcine Marie Kleypas Strickler, sister of Allen E. Kleypas ’49, mother of Donald J. ’66, Thomas C. ’68 and Robert B. Strickler ’71, August 21, 2016 James M. Sudela ’66, May 14, 2016

Elzena Louise Boutte Verdun, grandmother of Derrick A. Verdun ’13, June 10, 2016 William A. Wood II ’55, father of Edward A. Wood III ’82, August 15, 2016

Your car gets a check-up.

Your health gets a check-up.

Why not your will?

You don’t need to write a big check to make a significant gift to St. Thomas. Include STH in your will and estate plans and discover how one quick action can have an enduring impact on future generations of St. Thomas Eagles.

If you remember all the goodness, discipline and knowledge that St. Thomas gave you, then please:

Remember St. Thomas.

Contact us so we can help you find the right gift plan for you and your family.

Mr. Mark deTranaltes, ’83, P ’10 Vice President for Advancement mark.detranaltes@sths.org | 713-341-5557 Eagles’ Nest Winter 2016 - 55

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ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL

B A S I L I A N F AT H E R S • 1 9 0 0

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